How to hide your number to protect your privacy?
August 4, 2025 | 6 mins read
Let’s be honest… You care about your privacy, right? 😎 So let me share with you some tips to keep your number from becoming the star of marketing databases. More specifically, how to keep your phone number to yourself, away from prying eyes. Gone are the days when your number was out in the wild like a celebrity without bodyguards! 🕵️♂️ Let’s dive into the world of hidden numbers!
🤫 How to hide your number to protect your privacy? The ultimate guide!
As you know today, we live in a hyperconnected world… Well, that's great, but it also has its downsides. Our personal information, especially our phone number, has become a true currency of exchange. According to a recent study, over 53% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, demonstrating how central our smartphones are to our lives. It’s more important than ever to know how to hide your number.
Whether you want to avoid harassment, protect yourself during online sales, or simply keep a clear separation between your professional and personal life, hiding your phone number is an essential skill to master. And the good news? It’s super easy!
✨ The art of the momentary masked call: The famous #31#
This is THE basic technique, the foundation of an incognito call. You have one call to make without revealing your precious number? Don’t panic, the solution is also very simple..
The magic code: #31#
Imagine: you need to call a somewhat pushy customer service, or respond to an online ad without wanting to be called back at odd hours. That’s where the prefix #31# will come in handy.
How does it work in practice? It’s child’s play!
- Take your phone (it’ll be better with one 😅)
- Dial #31# followed, without spaces, by the phone number you wish to contact
- For example, to call 0612345678, you dial: #31#0612345678
- Place the call, and voilà! ✨
Your contact will see "Private Number", "Unknown", or "Blocked Call" appear on their screen. It’s fast, efficient, and completely free. It works on all smartphones, whether you're on Team Android or an unconditional iPhone fan, and with any carrier.
Anecdote: I've lost count of how many times I've pranked my friends or parents by calling from a blocked number, using an app that changes my voice 😂
It's the ideal solution for occasional needs, but be careful, you have to remember to do it every time. One lapse, and your number shows up! If you’re looking for a more "permanent" solution, keep reading; the next part should interest you.
🥷 Go into ninja mode: permanently block your number
Tired of dialing #31# every time? Want ALL your calls to be private number by default? It's absolutely possible, and it can be done directly in your smartphone settings.
📱 How to call from a blocked number on Android?
The steps may vary slightly depending on your phone brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, etc.), but the principle remains the same. Generally:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three little dots at the top right to access the Settings.
- Look for an option like "Phone accounts," "Call settings," or "Additional services."
- Find the line that says "Show my caller ID" or "Caller identity."
- Select Hide number. And there you go, all set!
From now on, all your outgoing calls will be anonymous. No more stress! 😎
📱 How to hide your number on iPhone?
With Apple, it’s even easier; hiding your phone number is even more straightforward:
- Go to the Settings on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on Phone.
- Select Show My Number.
- Simply toggle the switch off.
When it’s gray, you’re in blocked number mode. Easy, right?
Quick comparison of solutions
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| #31# (occasional) | Quick, simple, universal | Must be repeated for each call |
| Settings (permanent) | "Set it and forget it," constant protection | May be an obstacle to being called back |
🛡️ Alternatives: apps and services for tailored privacy
Do you need to go even further? Maybe you have a professional activity that requires juggling multiple numbers, or you just want an extra layer of protection. I have solutions for you!
Virtual number apps
Apps like our site Anonymous SMS, TextNow, or UnCall allow you to get a second phone number, often for free or at a low cost. It's definitely the best way to mask your primary phone number.
The advantages:
- Work/life separation: Use one number for work and keep your personal number for your loved ones.
- Online protection: Sign up for websites or services without ever giving your real number.
- Flexibility: Change your virtual number whenever you want.
It's like having a disguise for your phone! 🦸♂️
VoIP services (Voice over IP)
Services like Viber Out or TextNow also allow you to make calls to landlines and mobiles. By purchasing a bit of credit, you can call anywhere in the world, and your temporary number will show instead of your personal number.
Real-life anecdote: I have a freelance friend who uses a virtual number for all his clients. It allows him to be undisturbed on weekends and keep his personal number secret. Smart, right?
An important point to note: Using a private number is an excellent way to protect yourself. Many apps focus on the security and encryption of your communications, which is a real plus in our digital world.
🔎 The other side of the coin: managing blocked calls we receive
Now that you are a pro at making blocked calls, let's talk about the reverse situation. What do you do when YOU receive a call from a blocked number? It can be intriguing at times, often very annoying.
Can you call back a blocked number?
Generally, the answer is no. If someone took the time to hide their number, it is very difficult, if not impossible for an individual, to call them back directly.
However, some carriers offer a service that allows you, in the minutes following the call, to call back a blocked number. But this is not a universal solution and its effectiveness can vary.
How to unmask blocked numbers? Mission (almost) impossible!
Let's be clear: it is almost impossible to unmask hidden numbers reliably. Services that promise to do this are often ineffective. Only competent authorities, within a specific legal framework, can potentially trace the origin of a masked call.
So, what can you do?
The best strategy is prevention. Most smartphones allow you to automatically block calls from unknown or hidden numbers.
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > and enable Silencing Unknown Callers.
- On Android: Open the Phone app > Settings > Blocked Numbers and enable the option to block unknown callers.
These calls will be sent directly to your voicemail without even ringing your phone. Total peace of mind! 🧘♀️️
💪 Why hiding your number is very important for your privacy
Beyond the technical aspects of how to mask your number, it's essential to understand the concrete benefits for your peace of mind.
The advantages of phone anonymity:
- Protect your personal data: Your number is the key to many of your online accounts. Protecting it means protecting your digital identity.
- Avoid telemarketing and spam: This is the number one reason for many of us. By not giving out your number freely, you drastically reduce the number of unsolicited calls.
- Secure your online transactions: When selling an item on a classifieds website, using a private or temporary number prevents you from being contacted months later.
- Maintain professional distance: Ideal for professionals contacting clients from their personal mobile.
- Keep control: Ultimately, you decide who can reach you and when. That's true luxury!
Privacy protection is not a luxury; it's a fundamental right in the digital age. By learning how to mask your phone number, you're taking a significant step to regain control of your data.
🕵️♀️ Conclusion: It's your turn, secret agent!
And there you have it! You now have all the tools to master the art of masked calling. We've covered together:
- The ultra-simple technique of #31# for occasional needs.
- How to configure your iPhone or Android to make masked calls permanently.
- The apps and services that offer even more flexibility and security.
- How to react to blocked calls you receive and the inability to uncover hidden numbers.
- All the benefits you gain from hiding your phone number to protect your privacy.
Hiding your phone number is no longer a secret to you. It’s a powerful and easy-to-use tool to navigate more smoothly in our connected world.
So, next time you hesitate to make a call, remember these tips. Take control of your privacy, one call at a time! Don’t hesitate to share this guide with your friends, they also deserve to be secret agents! 😉
🤔 FAQ: Questions everyone is asking
Does hiding my number also work for SMS?
No, unfortunately. Tricks like #31# or phone settings only work for voice calls. Your SMS will always display your number. For anonymous SMS, you need to use dedicated apps, and luckily, that’s exactly what our Anonymous SMS service offers.
If I call anonymously, can the person still leave me a voicemail?
Absolutely! If you reach their voicemail, you can definitely leave a message. The only difference is that they won't see your number displayed.
How can I tell if #31# worked?
The best way is to test it on a friend's phone (with their permission, of course!). You'll see immediately if the call displays as "Private Number."
Is there a difference between "masked number" and "private number"?
For the person receiving the call, there is no practical difference. Both terms mean that the caller's identity is not displayed.
Is it possible to unlock the "Show my number" feature if it’s grayed out on my iPhone?
Sometimes, certain carriers may block this option. If that's the case for you, a quick call to your customer service might resolve the issue.